Air Fryer Quarter Pounder with Cheese

Air Fryer Quarter Pounder with Cheese is the perfect lunch or dinner for any day of the week. And made in the air fryer, they air fry up perfectly. If you are looking for a juicy copycat recipe for a quarter pound, this is a straightforward, very juicy, and tender burger.

Everyone loves a great burger, whether at McDonald’s or a copycat version from your Air Fryer. Today, I made my son’s favorite burger, an Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese.

Suppose you are looking for even more copycat recipes. In that case, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (Chick-Fil-A Copycat), Air Fryer Copycat Wingers, Sticky Chicken Fingers, and Air Fryer Olive Garden Mozzarella Bites.

Air Fryer Quarter Pounder

This incredible burger is genuinely remarkable. If you have ever had a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, you know how great these are. Now, with the help of your air fryer, you can fry up a batch for your family. Today, I will show you how to make a significant and tender burger in the air fryer. These hamburgers are covered with American cheese and served in the ionic sesame seed bun.

Why You Will Love Air Fry Quarter Pounder

• Effortlessly Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer’s rapid air circulation ensures your quarter pounders are crispy on the outside while remaining succulent on the inside, delivering perfect texture with every bite.
• Healthier Cooking: Cooking with an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making your quarter pounders a lower-fat option without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick and Efficient: The air fryer heats up and cooks faster than traditional methods, getting your delicious quarter-pounders ready in no time for a swift and satisfying meal.
• Simplified Cleanup: Thanks to minimal oil use and a non-stick cooking basket, the air fryer makes post-meal cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.
• Kitchen Versatility: Not limited to quarter pounders, your air fryer is a versatile kitchen tool capable of cooking a wide array of dishes, maximizing its use and your culinary adventures.
• All-Weather Cooking: No need to depend on outdoor conditions for grilling; the air fryer lets you enjoy your favorite quarter pounders come rain or shine, right in your kitchen.
• Compact and Convenient: Ideal for kitchens of any size, the air fryer is a compact appliance that fits well on countertops, offering big flavor without taking up much space.
• Autonomous Cooking: Set the timer, and the air fryer does the rest, allowing you to multitask without the worry of overcooking or burning your meal.
• Meal Prep Mastery: Its efficiency makes the air fryer an excellent tool for meal prep, enabling you to cook multiple servings at once for convenient future meals.
• Enhanced Flavors: The air frying process helps to lock in and intensify the seasoning and flavors of your quarter pounders, making them even more delicious and enjoyable.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Quarter Pounder

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Lean Ground Beef: A healthier alternative to regular ground beef, lean ground beef contains less fat, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a juicy burger without the extra calories.
• American Cheese: Known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, American cheese melts beautifully over hot burgers.
• Sesame Seed Buns: These buns add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor to your burger, while their soft interior soaks up the juices and sauces, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Salt & Pepper: The fundamental seasoning duo, salt, and pepper, is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the beef.
• Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle Chips, and Sliced White Onion For Serving: This classic condiment and topping combination offers a mix of sweetness, tanginess, crunch, and sharpness, rounding out the flavors of your burger for a full taste profile.

How to Air Fry Quarter Pounder

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get a delicious, juicy burger every time:

Step One: Prepare The Quarter Pounder: Start by preheating the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Then, mix the ground beef, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Make two even patties, pressing down and getting them as flat as possible, make an indention with your thumb in the center.

Step Two Air Fry: Place the burger patties, not touching into the air fryer. Air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add one slice of cheese on top of each patty.

Step Three Serving: Take the bottom of the bun and place one slice of cheese. Add a burger patty on top. Add ketchup, mustard, pickle chips, and sliced white onion on top. Finally, place the top bun on the burger and serve.

quarter pounder in air fryer recipe tips

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that your quarter pounders begin cooking at the optimal temperature immediately, promoting even cooking and a perfectly seared exterior.
• Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the ground beef as little as possible when forming your patties. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers; a light touch maintains tenderness and juiciness.
• Season Well: Regularly seasoning the patties with salt and pepper before cooking can enhance the flavor significantly. Salt on the surface also helps to create a delicious crust.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve your desired doneness without guesswork, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for fully cooked burgers, adjusting slightly if you prefer your burgers more or less done.
• Let Patties Rest Before Cooking: If you have time, let the seasoned patties sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. This step helps in cooking the patties more evenly.
• Flip Once During Cooking: Flipping the burgers halfway through the cooking time ensures they cook evenly on both sides, achieving a uniform crust and color.
• Add Cheese at the End: If you’re adding cheese, place it on the patties during the last minute of cooking. The heat from the burger will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking the meat.
• Toast Your Buns: Lightly toasting the buns in the air fryer for a minute or two before assembling your burgers adds a delightful crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy from the burger juices.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the patties in batches if necessary to ensure there’s enough room for air to circulate freely around each one, which is key for achieving that desirable crispy exterior.
• Rest the Patties After Cooking: Allowing the cooked patties to rest for a few minutes before serving lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Air Fryer Quarter Pounder Recipe Faq’s

Can I cook frozen quarter pounder patties in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen quarter pounder patties in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, typically adding a few extra minutes, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.

How do I prevent the cheese from blowing off the patties? To prevent the cheese from blowing off, gently add the cheese slice during the last minute of cooking and close the air fryer drawer. The cheese will melt onto the patty without the airflow displacing it.

What’s the best way to ensure my quarter pounders are juicy? To ensure juiciness, avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature and adding a small amount of butter or a splash of water to the patties before cooking. Also, letting them rest a few minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices.

Can I add toppings like onions or mushrooms directly to the air fryer? You can add toppings like onions or mushrooms directly to the air fryer. Place them in the basket around the patties, ensuring they have space for air circulation. They will cook nicely when it takes for the burgers to cook.

How do I clean my air fryer after cooking quarter pounders? To clean your air fryer, wait for it to cool down, then remove the basket and pan to wash them with hot, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge for any stubborn residues. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.

Can I cook more than one quarter pounder at a time? Yes, you can cook multiple quarter pounders at once as long as they fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. This ensures even cooking and proper air circulation.

How do I make my quarter pounders extra crispy? For extra crispiness, lightly spray or brush the patties with oil before cooking. The oil helps to crisp the exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

Is it necessary to flip the patties halfway through cooking? Flipping is recommended to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides of the patties. Use a spatula to flip them halfway through the cooking time gently.

Can I toast the buns in the air fryer as well? Toasting the buns in the air fryer adds a nice texture and flavor. Place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (175°C) after cooking the patties, watching closely to prevent burning.

How do I store and reheat leftover quarter pounders? To store leftovers, wrap the cooled quarter pounders in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES
• AIR FRYER FROZEN SWEET POTATO FRIES
• THE BEST AND EASIEST AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES RECIPE
• AIR FRYER BAKED POTATO

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